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Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia
4.7
187 Ratings
Sofia
Embark on a self-guided shared trip from Sofia to the stunning 7 Rila Lakes and the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Hike through the lakes in the morning and explore the monastery in the afternoon.
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral - Enjoy stunning morning views of Sofia’s main landmark
What's Included
- Driver
- Round-trip shared transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees - Rila Lakes chairlift ticket (25 BGN per person, two-way)
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Guide services
- Mountain rescue insurance
Additional Information
Embark on a self-guided, communal shuttle tour that will usher you towards the stunning 7 Rila Lakes area in the morning, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-protected Rila Monastery in the Rila National Park, highlighting Bulgaria’s finest natural and cultural spots, in the afternoon. In the initial part of the day, the shuttle bus will transport you to the onset of the hiking trails at the Rila Lakes locality and the bottom dock of the chairlift, allowing you to ascend the mountain using the chairlift. You have an extensive span of over 5 hours for your autonomous exploration of the Rila Lakes region. Following that, in the latter part of the day, the communal shuttle will convey you to the Rila Monastery –– an epitome of Bulgaria’s cherished cultural and historical legacy. There is ample time exceeding 1 hour allotted for you to independently delve into the monastery premises.
- A moderate to intensive amount of walking is involved (walking/hiking experience is a must)
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for mountain/walking are required
- Sun cream and sunglasses are strongly recommended
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Dress code at the Rila Monastery: high heels, short skirts and trousers, shirts with no sleeves, etc. are not allowed in the monastery.
Location
пл. „Княз Александър I“ 1
площад „Княз Александър I“
Go to the car parking at Knyaz Aleksander I square (in front of The Palace - National Art Gallery). Look for a vehicle with Rila Shutle sign. Nearest metro station is Serdika.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(187 Ratings)
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225mirjanac
Aug 29, 2024
A wonderful experience! - A wonderful experience! Philip was fantastic, always available, professional and smiling. Thanks Philip. We hope see you soon.
Mirjana, Alessandro and Mimmetto 😘
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katrinalz3340vc
Aug 29, 2024
Great experience - breathtaking views - Amazing tour. Mountains were incredible, hike offered a few options that were very well explained before going on our journey towards the top. Breathtaking views. Even though they mentioned self-guided tour, we had the pleasure of hearing some tips and some information from the guide. Up in the mountains and monastery we went on our own, but the information was sufficient to do so. Definitely suggest. In a one day to visit two top rated activities in Bulgaria - if you are in time deficit, this tour is a must.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yongting_s
Aug 27, 2024
A day tour with perfect combination of nature and culture. - It is a very rewarding combination of nature, history and culture. The hiking through the mountain is well paced with gorgeous views all along. The monastery is a true gem for the art and history lover.
Review provided by Viator
Chelsea
Aug 26, 2024
Efficient, great communication, and overall enjoyable experience - Such a great service from Sofia into the mountains. The transportation was clean, efficient and safe. Philip our ‘guide’ had excellent communication through WhatsApp, with clear instructions and photos allowing us to make the most of our day out. Would definitely recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachelci7769mv
Aug 20, 2024
Highly recommend this tour! - Philip our tour guide was very nice and informative on every aspect. Extremely thorough and helpful. Hiked the Rila 7 lakes, tough but worth it and very rewarding at the end. Visited the Rila monastary at the end and was beautiful, very interesting and different. Bus driver got us back to Sofia well before the designated time which was great. Had a brilliant time would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_r
Aug 19, 2024
Great Day Trip to the Mountains! - It was a great experience and Phillip did a great job, giving out useful information about the hiking option and about the Rila Monastery. We enjoyed being able to see such a beautiful monastery in the mountains and trying mekitsa (at only 1 lev each, it was such a great bargain). Afterwards, the hiking and the lakes were amazing although do plan at least an hour and 30 minutes to take the chair lift down the mountain afterwards as the line can be very long during July/August, weekends, holidays, etc. and the guide/bus driver cannot wait for people who take too long on the chair lift. We really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone who is planning a day trip during their trip to Sofia!
Review provided by Viator
Curiosity38277672785
Aug 19, 2024
Amazing experience! - It was beautiful trip to Rila lakes and monastery. Our guide Philip was very helpful and provided us a lot of useful informations before trip started, in the bus and during the trip. He didn't guided us in mountains but you really don't need a guide there and you can walk at your own pace, take breaks for photos and enjoying amazing landscape. Thank you Philip for this experience, we will definitely book it again next time we visit Bulgaria!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Esti000
Aug 18, 2024
Incredible, well organised trip! - What an incredible day! Philip, our guide was very friendly and communication from him was first class. Although it wasn't a guided tour, he provided all the information you'd need to make the trip enjoyable and stress free. The coach was very clean and comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura
Aug 18, 2024
Fun day trip out of Sofia - We had a great time and Phillip was very helpful. The Rila Monastery was truly beautiful, with the surrounding area being very inspiring along with the monastery. We also enjoyed the mekitsa which was only 1 lev, a great deal! We then went to the 7 Lakes area and it was a stunning area. We ended up waiting for the chair lift and we’re glad we did because the hikes can be challenging as is from the lodge. The views were gorgeous and the lakes were absolutely beautiful, well worth the hike! Do please plan to arrive to the chair lift at least 1.5 hours before you need to be on the bus on the weekend, in July/August, during busy days, etc. as there was quite a long line and they need to leave on time to make it back to Sofia, but beyond that, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zbigniew_m
Aug 25, 2024
7 lakes trail was... - 7 lakes trail was fantastic even if the queue for the chair-lift was interminable and I had to jump it to avoid at least one-hour wait
Review provided by Viator
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